Patriotic

This is a story about country star Tim McGraw helping veterans. This happened back in 2012 and 2013 but I just heard about it so I am hoping you may not have hear either. Tim was associated with Chase and Operation Homefront to launch a program which rewared 30 newly renovated mortgage-free homes to deserving veterans and their families in 2012. He continued this project in 2013 to double that number by awarding an additional 31 in 2013.

“Launching our HomeFront program made last summer (2012) so much more special than I could have originally imagined. I can honestly say that I got as much – or more – out of the experience than the veterans who received the new homes and assistance,” said McGraw. “These families made an incredible mark on me, and I’m more grateful than I’ve ever been for the sacrifices they make every day to serve our country. I’m just honored to be a part of this program, and I look forward to working with Chase and Operation Homefront to take it even further this summer (2013).” I am not certain if this program continues this year but I thought that it deserved some attention. What an awesome program to give back to those who have given so much for our country. Tim has been known to “stop by” at other vet events to shake hands and thank them for their service. What a great example of true patriotism. Thanks Tim for all you are doing to help.

This is not a news story today. This is one of those days that doesn’t bring good memories. Today is September 11th. That date bring saddness, sorrow and even a little anger. But it doesn’t need to. We need to remember the brave people who make up this country. In honor of the recent passing of Robin Williams, a friend of mine posted this video last month. I had not seen it so I hope you enjoy it too. It has a great message that we all need to remember. Our flags were waving after that fateful first September 11th. You could see flags everywhere. You would see them not only on the buildings flag poles but on the houses, and even the overpasses on the freeways. Unfortuately, I don’t see that as much anymore. We see flags only on special occasions. Robin did this presentation back in 2008. I believe we need to hear it even more today. So let’s all take a moment to celebrate our flag. Celebrate (as he suggests) the people. The people of the United States because without these great people the United States would only be a lot of dirt. Thank you Robin (we will certainly miss you) for reminding us of what the flag really means. Long may WE wave.

School has started again in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Retired Marine Cpl Lewis Alston noticed that cars would not stop for the children close to Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School. He knew that something had to be done before something terrible happened. So when school started this week, the retired Marine thought it would be helpful, and pretty cool for the kids, to put on his dress uniform and help the kids cross the busy street. Other streets by the school have crossing guards but there just didn’t seem to be enough city funds for this street to also have a crossing guard. So each weekday morning and afternoon, he downs his corporal’s dress blues and slips on his white gloves and hat. The kids are just thrilled to have him there. This video not only tells his story but also interviews him with a group of children. What a humble man to give of his time this way. I think it is also a great way to teach respect to the children who are honored to have him. He says they love to ask questions about his service and especially like his medals. We honor you, Cpl. Alston and not only thank you for your service then but now. You are a hero to us.

This story is from some time ago when in Gerard, Kansas they are gathering to lay to rest Corporal Richard Bennett. It should be a day of peace and sadness but so often we hear of this happening over and over again. Radical protesters who show up to disrupt funerals of our fallen soldiers. Trying to spread their hateful message. Bikers by the hundered converge on the military funeral as invited guests. This is a group of Christian veterans who won’t allow this to happen anymore. With their bikes and their bodies they form a shield. These vets (the Patriot Guard) show up at military funerals to stand between these protesters and the family of the fallen soldier with flags waving, reaving motors and music playing so the family can grieve in peace without seeing or hearing these protesters. The men feel that no family should have to face this type of hatred on the day when they are burying their loved one. They say that even if the protesters stop showing up that he and fellow Patriot Guard members will continue to come to stand together as a show of support. We all need to be there to help when we can and how we can. Great job Patriot Guard.

This is a story about a group from Habitat for Humanity. This is a group of folks that builds or rebuilds homes for those that cannot afford a home on their own. The ownesr of these home are required to assist with the building and will pay back a 0% interest loan. The building is done mostly by volunteers. It is a very rewarding program to be involved with. What makes this story different is this group in San Diego is building their first ever “Building for the Brave” . This project will create homes that will be for disabled veterans. San Diego is a military town so they want to take care of our military. What a wonderful program this is for the needy but especially for our veterans who gave up everything to serve our country. The homes are also being furnished with state of the art furnishing adapted for the special needs of the veterans. It is really nice to see how much this means to the resident that will take ownership once the project is complete.

Michael Sulsona is a disabled Vietnam Vet who lost both legs during the war. Recently Michael was in Lowe’s getting some fencing for his yard when his wheel chair broke. He had been trying to get a replacement chair from the VA but they would just send a repairman. Those repairs would not last long. This day he was lucky to be in Lowe’s where the employees immediately (even though it was close to closing time) jumped into action and began replacing all the nuts and bolts on his chair. They told him that they wanted to make his chair like new again. Michael thanked them but they told him that it was their honor to help him. What a great group of men who saw an opportunity to help out one of our veterans and was willing to do what ever it took to make this chair like new again. Michael was very grateful.

Thanks to Lowe’s for hiring such upstanding employees. Now with all the publicity this story has created the VA has now sent Michael a new wheelchair. Thanks to Mark B. and Patricia M for sending us this story. Keep watching for these great stories.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!! Today more than any other day we stand together in this country to remember America. We may not all agree about politics but we who reside here in America can tell you why we choose to live here. This message today is spoken by John Wayne to a beautiful presentation of slides that show the real America. The America where we live, play and visit. This video is not about then or now, it is about here. Here, the America we all enjoy. Everyone should be able to relate to this video as it shows from one side of the country to the next. It shows from the city through the country to the shore. How beautiful our country is. Take time as you have it to visit some of the places he names in this video. Our country is full of wonderful places to see. The beauty stretches from shore to shore. I hope you enjoy this video as much as I did. Have a happy and safe holiday and… God Bless America!

It is the 3rd of July. In preparation for the holiday I wanted to spend today and tomorrow sharing some patriotic videos from years past that are still important today. This video is about the pledge of allegiance. It is told by Red Skelton. Some of you may not remember Red Skelton. This skit was shown back in 1969. He was funny before you had to be profane to be funny. His comedy was wholesome. His shows were on for over 20 consecutive years. I would say that Red Skelton was one of the greatest comedians ever. He could make us laugh at the simple things that happen. But he was also so humble and could touch your heart with his characters and stories. His characters will live on forever. Here he tells a story of his childhood and a teacher that shared the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance. It will make you stop and think again about words that we so easily recite without thought. Now, I know, this video is a little longer than most but please stay to the end and listen all the way. He even mentions at the end how there were 2 states added since his teacher shared this story (that tells you how long ago he heard this story). Our country is a great one and we need to remember what our country stands for. I hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July.

Here is another story of how Facebook is not just a place to post pictures and play games. Thanks so much to Sharon A for bringing us this story. How many of us go onto Facebook just to see what our friends are doing? Well here is a story of a airman (just back in the country after 7 years oversees) that was making his way from his home in Vancouver Washington to report for duty in Texas. As Staff Sergeant Rowan Coash was driving through Utah his car broke down. He didn’t know what to do. He called a friend in Washington while he waited for tow truck. His friend Erica posted on Facebook “Anybody out there in Facebook Land near Price, Utah and willing to help a soldier?”. He got a rental truck and left his car behind (stored at the house of a resident of Price, UT) to report on time. The Facebook posts continued to spread and they even got a car repair shop to donate time and rebuild the engine of his car at no cost. The Price community came together to repair the car and even ship the car to Rowan in Texas, again at no charge.

What a great community to step up and help out someone in need. Rowan Coash has served our country for years. This community took the time and effort to begin to repay that deed. Way to go Price Utah!!

There is nothing better than watching your child graduate. Thank you to Mark B. for this story. This is a special graduation for Taylor Crafton a North Dakota high school student. Her father, Chris Crafton is deployed overseas. He has been deployed 9 times since she was three. He has missed many special events during her life. A friend of the family had a cut out picture made for Taylor so she could see her father there at her graduation. To surprise the entire family (not just Taylor but her mom too) he was waiting backstage as they announced her name to recieve her diploma.

Don’t you just love these reunion stories? I sure do. I can’t get enough of these. It was great that he was not only able to be there but was also able to surprise the entire family. You can sure see the joy in her face when she sees her dad and when she talks about him afterwards.

Thanks again to Mark B for sharing this story. Do you have a story to share- one that will bring joy to others who watch it? Please send it our way and we will share it for you. Just send it to alittlegoodnewsmail@gmail. com or message us on our facebook page.

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